An efficient transportation system is pivotal in stimulating the economy as it facilitates the seamless movement of people and goods.
Economic mobility calls for a well-developed and interconnected transport infrastructure that capitalizes on fostering road safety, providing better commuter experience, and allowing cost-efficient travel.
Agencies under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) implement programs and projects that seek to address productivity and revenue losses caused by traffic congestion, inefficient public transportation, and inadequate infrastructure.
They are working to positively transform the road experience of both drivers and commuters, and maximize the country’s potential leading to a convenient and reliable multimodal transport particularly in Central Luzon.
A sustainable, resilient land transport system
During the second episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas of the Philippine Information Agency, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Regional Director Aminoden Guro shared his agency’s initiatives to achieve a modern, well-managed, and environmentally sustainable transport sector.
“LTFRB has been tirelessly exerting extra efforts to ensure provision of safe and convenient public land transportation in our region,” he said.
Under the Public Transportation Modernization Program (PTMP), recent data showed that consolidation in Central Luzon has increased to 81 percent from 54 percent in 2022.
Guro explained that industry consolidation is among the components of PTMP that encourages Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) operators to form a legal entity such as a cooperative or corporation.
Another component of the program includes Fleet Modernization which ensures that all PUVs participating in the program will adhere to modern policies that address the limitations of traditional units.
Guro said LTFRB expects to see an increase in transport services on top of the 181 Modernized Public Utility Jeepneys, four UV Express, and two buses launched from 2022 to 2024.
Also, the agency offers aid to drivers and operators who lack the financial means to embrace PTMP through the PUV Financing. This provides beneficiaries access to funding through a special loan program with a low down payment, low interest rates, and an extended payment period.
On another note, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) reported the significant progress achieved in several key areas: vehicle registration, issuance and printing of driver’s licenses, intensified law enforcement, opening of new offices in Central Luzon, transfer to state-of-the-art facilities, and conduct of barangay caravans.
Particularly, LTO Regional Director Ronnie Montejo emphasized that the agency has zero backlogs on new plate distribution. As of June 1, a total of 171,798 license plates covering 2015, 2016 and 2023 license plates were turned-over to accredited dealers.
He likewise mentioned that the LTO E-Patrol or LTO On-Wheels was rolled out last month in Subic Freeport Zone, Zambales and Bataan to bring their services closer to the public.
“We noticed that some individuals from far-flung areas are driving without a license or driving an unregistered vehicle. To address this, we provided a 15-day theoretical driving course for free through our LTO E-Patrol,” he shared.
The course aims to empower qualified drivers not only with the skills and knowledge on theoretical driving but also with the patience and discipline to handle different road situations such as a road rage scenario.
Montejo vowed that they will carry on with their dedicated and efficient public service to avoid any damage or loss of property or lives due to road accidents.
A secure, pleasant maritime travel in the Philippines
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the maritime industry as one of his top priorities given that the Philippines is a maritime nation.
Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) prides itself in giving quality service to passengers through safe, convenient and pleasant terminals on seaports. In fact, more passenger terminals will open by the end of this year to accommodate more sea travelers in the country.
“This is in line with the government’s thrust towards Bagong Pilipinas leadership and agenda. We make sure to provide a safe and sustainable transport system that expands mobility and connectivity,” PPA Port Management Office Bataan/Aurora Acting Port Manager JennelizaRebong explained.
As part of its legacy projects on its 50th Anniversary, PPA is set to inaugurate the PPA-Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) K9 Academy in Pampanga, Port of Jubang in Siargao, Port of Balanacan in Marinduque, Law Enforcement Building in Ilocos Norte, and Port of Tubigon in Bohol.
With the efficiency and capacity of Philippine ports, Rebong stated that PPA launched the PPAsyalTayocampaign to encourage travel via improved seaports. In 2023, more than 73 million passengers in base and terminal ports were recorded nationwide. Highest number of passengers were seen mostly in ports of Iloilo, Bacolod, Jordan in Guimaras, Batangas, and Oriental Mindoro.
Moreover, Rebong talked about the green port initiatives of PPA to mitigate the effects of climate change while maintaining sustainable port development programs.
Meanwhile, Coast Guard Station Zambales Commander Commodore EJ Diciano assured that PCG is always ready to perform maritime search and rescue missions, law enforcement, marine environmental protection, maritime safety, and maritime security.
Diciano disclosed the construction of a Floating Base Facility in Zambales that will allow more floating assets to protect fisherfolks in the West Philippine Sea.
A safe and promising flight experience in Baler Airport
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) currently has ongoing development projects at the Baler Airport in Aurora to improve safety and capacity to accommodate flights and passengers.
CAAP Civil Aviation Area Manager Glenn Tripulcadisclosed that Phase 1 of the Baler Airport Development Project includes the extension of Runway 23 and Runway 05, construction of apron and taxiway, construction of fence, runway markings, reinforced concrete pipe culvert, earthworks, and ditch canal.
“Phase 2 entails the construction of the Passenger Terminal Building with additional 212 seating capacity,” he added.
CAAP Area Center III, which will soon relocate to Clark International Airport, is responsible for the airports in Baler, Plaridel in Bulacan, and Iba in Zambales in Central Luzon.
Also, Sangley, Jomalig, and Alabat Airports in CALABARZON; and Lubang, Calapan, Pinamalayan, Wasig, San Jose, Mamburao, Marinduque, and Romblon Airports in MIMAROPA.
Multimodal Transportation System
The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) is marching towards its vision to become one of the country’s leading economic centers. Additionally, CIAC is keen on transforming Clark as the premier global civil aviation logistics hub of the Philippines.
CIAC Vice President for Operations and Business Group Brando Aguilera mentioned their top three flagship projects under the Marcos administration.
“We have underway the P8.5 billion Clark National Food Hub designed to become the country’s premium wholesale market and distribution hub for high value and top quality food products,” he said.
This project aims to enhance food security and standards, increase the productivity of the agricultural sector, and to empower local farmers with economic opportunities.
Aguilera underscored that the establishment of Clark Entertainment and Events Center is primed to transform into a versatile district for entertainment, recreation and lifestyle.
Finally, CIAC will implement the Urban Renewal and Heritage Conservation Program to foster sustainability, optimize land utilization, and enhance overall quality life for the community.
With these ‘big, bold moves’, Aguilera also discussed the road and facilities development such as Clark International Airport (CRK) direct access link, expansion of national food hub gateway road, Gil Puyat-Entertainment and Event Center connector road, and construction of access road from C.M Recto Avenue to CRK.
He added that multimodal transport will be developed to access all these projects and facilities.
With all the concerted efforts and initiatives of the attached agencies of DOTr, it is guaranteed that everyone is onboard in ferrying Filipinos towards the inclusive and progressive Bagong Pilipinas. (CLJD/TJBM,PIA Region 3-Tarlac)